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oliviasethney's review
5.0
I loved how artistic a beautifully simple this book was and I just enjoyed the whole experience of reading this.
lindseyloo92's review
2.0
Make no mistake, Courtney Malm writes beautiful, evocative poetry that will stay with you for a long time after reading…but as a novel, I’m not sure that it really works. The characters feel flat, the plot is disjointed, and neither the setting nor the events of WWII or even the artistic movements referenced are fleshed out well. This may have benefited from being a longer book. As it is, I cared very little about any of these characters and that’s a downer because I think the premise and setting has a lot of potential.
scribblepost's review
5.0
I took this book on a stressful trip (alas NOT on a beach in Mexico), and it was such a comfort to slip into these pages every night. I devoured its quirky cast of characters and lush, suffocating humidity. The world of Surrealist artists told in Lara's voice is convincing and beguiling. The writing feels so deft and assured. Also, the book LOOKS so gorgeous (+ I love its small size, like a young girl's diary).
doylemat's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
anneke_b's review
2.0
What did I read? First of all, the book looks stunning, but otherwise I am not really sure what I read. I get the point that it fictionalizes a real occurrence, but is that enough to make a story?
I did not mind it, it was a fast read and interesting, but the afterthought was: WHAT?
I did not mind it, it was a fast read and interesting, but the afterthought was: WHAT?
laurelinwonder's review
5.0
This lovely little book, oh goodness. If you like a little capital L Literature, and enjoy historical fiction (loosely based on Peggy Guggenheim and her real life daughter Pegeen. This book is Lara's little diary, which reads like a notebook. This book is not that of a whiny teen, so don't assume as such, if anything, Lara is the epitome of any child/teen who has ever wanted to be seen, to be loved in a way that their parent is unable to do. I loved Lara's syntax, her longing to be someone of worth. I loved the ways in which she pulled back the curtain on the "loonies" the artists she and her mother travelled and lived with. Like most teens, even those in the 1930s, she is unable to not reveal herself in these pages. A testament to art, to youth, to trying to grow up in constantly changing scenery, countries, and languages.
zon_sol_sun's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
anderson65's review
5.0
The overall ambiance of the story is lulling and calm, despite the disorganized people.
andrewgraphics's review
1.0
Poorly written, without any character development, story, plot, or reason foe being.
Tho, the fact it is about Dada artists and the book itself seems to be making fun of the reader for reading it might be a point in its favor.
Tho, the fact it is about Dada artists and the book itself seems to be making fun of the reader for reading it might be a point in its favor.